Minoxidil is an arteriolar vasodilator sold in the U.S. under 6 brand and generic names, for alopecia and malignant hypertension. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
From the FDA label for Loniten (application NDA018154). Other minoxidil products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Patients over 12 years of age: The recommended initial dosage of minoxidil tablets is 5 mg given as a single daily dose. Daily dosage can be increased to 10 mg, 20 mg and then to 40 mg in single or divided doses if required for optimum blood pressure control. The effective dosage range is usually 10 mg to 40 mg per day. The maximum recommended dosage is 100 mg per day. Patients under 12 years of age: The initial dosage is 0.2 mg/kg minoxidil as a single daily dose. The dosage may be increased in 50 to 100% increments until optimum blood pressure control is achieved. The effective dosage range is usually 0.25 to 1.0 mg/kg/day. The maximum recommended dosage is 50 mg daily (see 9 . Pediatric Use under PRECAUTIONS ). Dose frequency: The magnitude of within-day fluctuation of arterial pressure during therapy with minoxidil is directly proportional to the extent of pressure reduction. If supine diastolic pressure has been reduced less than 30 mmHg, the drug need be administered only once a day; if supine diastolic pressure has been reduced more than 30 mmHg, the daily dosage should be divided into two equal parts. Frequency of dosage adjustment: Dosage must be titrated carefully according to individual response. Intervals between dosage adjustments normally should be at least 3 days since the full response to a given dose is not obtained for at least that amount of time. Where a…
Salt and Water Retention (see WARNINGS: Concomitant Use of Adequate Diuretic is Required ) – Temporary edema developed in 7% of patients who were not edematous at the start of therapy. Pericarditis, Pericardial Effusion and Tamponade (see WARNINGS ). Dermatologic – Hypertrichosis – Elongation, thickening, and enhanced pigmentation of fine body hair are seen in about 80% of patients taking minoxidil tablets. This develops within 3 to 6 weeks after starting therapy. It is usually first noticed on the temples, between the eyebrows, between the hairline and the eyebrows, or in the side-burn area of the upper lateral cheek, later extending to the back, arms, legs, and scalp. Upon discontinuation of minoxidil, new hair growth stops, but 1 to 6 months may be required for restoration to pretreatment appearance. No endocrine abnormalities have been found to explain the abnormal hair growth; thus, it is hypertrichosis without virilism. Hair growth is especially disturbing to children and women and such patients should be thoroughly informed about this effect before therapy with minoxidil is begun. Allergic – Rashes have been reported, including rare reports of bullous eruptions, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Hematologic – Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia (WBC<3000/mm 3 ) have rarely been reported. Gastrointestinal – Nausea and/or vomiting has been reported. In…
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Typical price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 56/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $5 | View → | |
| 2 |
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
Minoxidil tablets are contraindicated in pheochromocytoma, because it may stimulate secretion of catecholamines from the tumor through its antihypertensive action. Minoxidil is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
See “Interaction with Guanethidine” under WARNINGS .
| Not yet rated |
| Over-the-counter |
| Topical |
| Generic |
| $5 |
| View → |
| 3 | Not yet rated | Over-the-counter | Solution | Generic | $5 | View → |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Over-the-counter | Solution | Generic | $5 | View → |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Over-the-counter | Solution | Generic | $5 | View → |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Over-the-counter | Topical | Generic | $5 | View → |